Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his absence from the funeral of fellow Portugal international Diogo Jota‘s mother, revealing a personal aversion to attending funerals following the death of his own father and a desire to avoid turning the event into a media spectacle.Ronaldo stated he avoids funerals because his presence inevitably draws excessive attention, transforming a sensitive moment into what he described as a “circus.” He elaborated, “But one thing I didn’t do? after my father died, I never went to funerals again. When you know me and know my reputation? Wherever I go, it’s like a circus.” He further expressed his discomfort with media intrusion during such times, stating, “I don’t like it when you go to sensitive moments to do interviews, to talk about it, to talk about football.”
Despite not attending in person, Ronaldo conveyed his condolences to Jota and his family through social media and direct contact. He also honored Jota with a special festivity during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Armenia in September.”People can continue to criticize. I feel my decision was right. I didn’t go out because, if I went out, attention would be on me. I don’t want this kind of attention,” Ronaldo explained. The revelation clarifies a point of public discussion following the funeral and offers insight into Ronaldo’s approach to grief and public life.
